Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast

Peanut allergy has become one of the most important and widely discussed topics in paediatric allergy. In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast , we explore the prevention and treatment of peanut allergy in children, from the landmark evidence supporting early peanut introduction to the evolving role of oral immunotherapy. We discuss why peanut allergy develops, whic...

In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast , we explore Eosinophilic Oesophagitis , or EoE — an increasingly recognised allergic inflammatory condition of the oesophagus that can affect feeding, swallowing, growth, and quality of life in children and young people. We break down the pathophysiology of EoE , including the role of food allergens, type 2 inflammation, eosi...

In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast , we explore the diagnosis and management of Hymenoptera venom allergy in children, including allergic reactions to bee, wasp and other insect stings . We discuss how to distinguish between normal local reactions, large local reactions and systemic allergic reactions , and when a child should be referred for specialist allergy...

Food allergies are often seen as a medical condition centred around avoidance, emergency plans and adrenaline auto-injectors — but the impact goes far beyond the plate. In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast , we explore how food allergies affect children’s emotional wellbeing, family life, school experiences, social confidence and overall quality of life. We discu...

NSAID hypersensitivity in children can be challenging to recognise, diagnose, and manage safely. In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast , we explore paediatric NSAID hypersensitivity, including reactions to commonly used medicines such as ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We discuss the different types of NSAID reactions, how to distinguish...

Penicillin allergy is one of the most commonly reported drug allergies in children — but many children labelled as “penicillin allergic” are not truly allergic. In this episode, we explore why penicillin allergy labels matter, how they can affect antibiotic choices, and why accurate assessment is so important for safer, better care. We discuss the difference between true allergic reactions and com...

In this episode of Hope & Histamine , we explore Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) — a fascinating and increasingly recognised form of tick-bite-related allergy that can cause delayed allergic reactions to red meat and other mammalian-derived products. We break down what Alpha-Gal Syndrome is, how tick bites can trigger sensitisation to the alpha-gal molecule, and why symptoms often appear several hour...

Chronic urticaria can be frustrating, unpredictable and deeply disruptive — but modern treatment has moved far beyond “just take an antihistamine.” In this episode of Hope & Histamine , we explore the pharmacological treatment of chronic urticaria, from regular non-sedating antihistamines and dose escalation to specialist therapies such as omalizumab and emerging treatment options. We discuss...

In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast , we explore chronic urticaria in children , including its key clinical features, underlying pathogenesis, and practical approach to diagnostic evaluation. Chronic urticaria can be distressing for children and families, often causing recurrent itchy wheals, angioedema, sleep disruption and anxiety about possible triggers. This...

In this episode of Hope & Histamine , we explore the fascinating and often debated role of vitamin D in allergic disease . From eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis to food allergy , vitamin D has been linked to immune regulation and allergic inflammation in ways that continue to generate interest among clinicians, researchers, and families alike. We discuss what vitamin D actually does in th...

Severe asthma in children can be challenging to recognise, investigate and manage effectively. In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast, we explore the evaluation and management of severe asthma in children, including how to distinguish it from difficult-to-treat asthma , key clinical assessments, common mimics, adherence issues, comorbidities, and the latest treatme...

In this episode, we explore the growing role of biomarkers in asthma and allergic diseases and why they are becoming essential in modern diagnosis, phenotyping, monitoring, and personalised treatment . We discuss key asthma biomarkers and allergy biomarkers , including blood eosinophils, FeNO (fractional exhaled nitric oxide), total and specific IgE , and their relevance in identifying type 2 infl...

How does cigarette smoke affect asthma? In this episode, we discuss the relationship between asthma and cigarette smoke exposure , including secondhand smoke , passive smoking , and the impact of tobacco smoke on airway inflammation, wheeze, cough, breathlessness, asthma attacks, and long-term asthma control. Learn why smoke exposure is a major asthma trigger, how it affects children and adults, a...

Asthma care is changing. In this episode, we explore the concept of treatable traits in asthma and why a personalised, precision-medicine approach is transforming the way we assess and manage patients. Rather than viewing asthma as a single disease, the treatable traits model helps clinicians identify specific biological, clinical , and behavioural factors that drive symptoms, poor control , and e...

Frey’s syndrome can look exactly like a food allergy: facial flushing, warmth, sweating (sometimes even a “rash-like” redness) that appears within minutes of eating. Parents panic, clinicians worry about IgE-mediated reactions, and children can end up labelled with a food allergy they don’t actually have. In this episode, we unpack Frey’s syndrome (gustatory sweating) —why it happens, who gets it...

In this episode, we unpack The Foetal Origins of Allergy and the idea that the foundations of allergic disease may be laid before birth . Using the lens of early nutritional programming (often discussed within the DOHaD – Developmental Origins of Health and Disease framework), we explore how the in-utero environment can influence immune development, tolerance, and later risk of conditions like ecz...

Ever had a patient (or child) react to fish even when it’s been properly cooked—and the story just doesn’t fit a classic “fish allergy”? This episode dives into Anisakis : the tiny parasitic worm found in marine fish and squid that can trigger allergic reactions ranging from hives and swelling to anaphylaxis —sometimes even without active infection. We break down: What Anisakis is and which fish a...

Ever seen someone develop flushing, hives, a pounding headache, or even wheeze soon after eating fish—and everyone assumes it’s a “fish allergy”? In this episode, we unpack Histamine (Scombroid) Fish Poisoning , a common and often mislabelled cause of allergy-like reactions after eating fish such as tuna, mackerel, mahi-mahi, sardines, anchovies, and bonito . You’ll learn why it happens (histamine...

Shellfish allergy can feel scary—especially when reactions can be sudden and severe. In this episode, we break down shellfish allergy in a clear, practical way: common symptoms (from hives to breathing problems), when to suspect anaphylaxis, and what to do in the moment. We also cover diagnosis and testing (skin prick tests, blood IgE, and when an oral food challenge might be considered), plus the...

In this episode, we explore a fascinating question in early-life allergy prevention: could colostrum act as a protective factor against peanut allergy? Using evidence from a birth cohort study , we break down what the research actually found, how strong the association is, and what it might mean for parents and clinicians. We’ll cover: What colostrum is and why it matters for immune development Ho...

Coeliac disease isn’t always a “gut problem.” In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast , we unpack the extraintestinal manifestations of coeliac disease —the symptoms that show up beyond the digestive tract and can be easy to miss. We explore the most common non-GI presentations, including iron-deficiency anaemia , fatigue , poor growth or delayed puberty , mouth ulc...

Coeliac disease can be easy to miss — and the symptoms aren’t always “classic” tummy pain or diarrhoea. In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast , we break down what coeliac disease is , why it happens , and how to recognise it early , especially in children. We cover: The common and hidden symptoms (from abdominal pain and bloating to fatigue, anaemia, mouth ulcers,...

Wheat allergy can be confusing — especially when “gluten-free” gets mixed up with coeliac disease, wheat intolerance, or everyday tummy troubles. In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast , we break down wheat allergy in babies and children in a clear, practical way. You’ll learn the common symptoms (from hives and vomiting to wheeze and anaphylaxis), when to suspect...

🥞 Can pancakes really cause anaphylaxis? In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast , we explore Pancake Syndrome — a rare but potentially severe allergic reaction caused by dust mite-contaminated flour rather than the pancake ingredients themselves. You’ll learn how improper storage of flour can lead to mite proliferation , why cooking does not eliminate the allergen...

Is house dust mite allergy the hidden cause of year-round sneezing, blocked nose, wheeze, or eczema in children? In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast , we explore house dust mite allergy —one of the most common triggers of persistent allergic symptoms in children and adults. This episode explains what house dust mites are, why they cause allergy, and how exposure...